Announcing my book release. "EWIW"

My book has been published and it is available now for purchase. See below for the available ways to get you copies. If you order online it won’t be autographed unless you attend the upcoming Book signing event May 18^th in Memphis( More info to come by the weekend). Myself and several Authors and Gospel Artist will be in attendance to fellowship, sign and minister in the word.

Publisher Overview

This book is clearly written, well layed out, and packs a meaningful spiritual punch that readers will certainly come away having learned from and been inspired by.

Editorial Review Content

Your prose comes across as heartfelt and genuine, and readers will connect with it because of your tone of humility. Your use of analogies (e.g. 'the Fruit of the Spirit' and 'breathe without ceasing') is an effective way to help explain and promote concepts without making the message you want to convey feel like a directive.  Readers seeking the kind of advice you offer may be looking for direction while not wanting to feel commanded to live their lives in a rigid way, and you walk that line successfully.

My Thoughts

It is by God’s Grace I am living today. I define myself as a modern day miracle. My struggles and survival have been the pivotal influence in my life, which lead me to volunteer and begin writing about my trials & triumphs. Writing and volunteering serve as a form of therapy towards my healing and strengthens my relationship with God, family, and friends. My testimonies are designed to encourage, inspire, uplift, and motivate others to be an organ donor and are sure to stimulate a word of victory, power, strength & prosperity in lives of people everywhere. James Cruse

Personal Author Orders:

Inbox me my Face Book or EWIW by James Cruse Pages.

I will send you information on orders to pay or send a link for PayPal, and email address for orders. To pick up Or ship out.

 

Online orders: Go to.

http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore 

 

Also available in

Ebook, Soft Cover / Hard Cover

 

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http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore

Please support: My Foundation which will support the transplant Community TSBenefaction.Inc. TSB will Support, Educate, Provide Emergency Assistance, and Provide Educational Scholarships ( Desiree J Cruse Scholarship) to Transplant dependents, recipients, their families, Transplant Organ Donors, and Families of Transplant survivors. If you know my story, this foundation is much needed. Please go and subscribe by hitting the “Like” button on my author page http://www.facebook.com/pages/EWIW-by-James-Cruse/415631135170557 

Check my page daily for upcoming information on the May 18^th 2013 Book signing event and events and supporting the TSB Foundation.

Thank you for your support. Please spread the word to join my book page. EWIW by James Cruse. I appreciate you all. © James Cruse  Author

I am happy to announce that for my foundation, TSBenefaction, see cover photo, my daughter has been named the spokesperson for the TSB Scholarship fund: ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP

TSB founders realize family members may experience hardships during the process of a recipient’s transplant. Our scholarship program is designed to encourage dependents to remain focused and encouraged during their path to success. The Desiree J. Cruse Academic Scholarship is awarded annually to a senior in high school who graduated from any Shelby County (TN) High School. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate or other qualifying individual seeking post-secondary education who demonstrates the desire to excel and exhibit perseverance to succeed and exemplifies Desiree’s commitment to music, family and community.

ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW

TSB academic scholarships are designed for transplant recipients, dependents of a transplant recipient, living donors, or the sibling of a transplant recipient. All applicants must be under the age of 23. TSB scholarships are awarded to students who have been accepted or are presently enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning. Scholarships are to be utilized for tuition, books, and maintenance fees toward room and board expenses. Scholarships are renewable annually, for a period up to five years and student must maintain a 2.5 GPA. Awardees must agree to provide class schedules and transcripts grades each semester to remain in compliance; failure to supply documentation will result in may result in disqualification of any future awards. Scholarship awards may range in the amount of $50.00 to $1,000. I am proud of her and she will represent well. JC

TSBenefaction.org

"What is the significance of the triumphal/triumphant entry?"

 The triumphal entry is that of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, the Sunday before the crucifixion (John 12:1, 12). The story of the triumphal entry is one of the few incidents in the life of Jesus which appears in all four Gospel accounts (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19). Putting the four accounts together, it becomes clear that the triumphal entry was a significant event, not only to the people of Jesus’ day, but to Christians throughout history. We celebrate Palm Sunday to remember that momentous occasion.

On that day, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey’s colt, one that had never been ridden before. The disciples spread their cloaks on the donkey for Jesus to sit on, and the multitudes came out to welcome Him, laying before Him their cloaks and the branches of palm trees. The people hailed and praised Him as the “King who comes in the name of the Lord” as He rode to the temple, where He both taught the people, healed them, and drove out the money-changers and merchants who had made His Father’s house a “den of robbers” (Mark 11:17).

Jesus’ purpose in riding into Jerusalem was to make public His claim to be their Messiah and King of Israel in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Matthew tells us that the King coming on the foal of a donkey was an exact fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus rides into His capital city as a conquering King and is hailed by the people as such, in the manner of the day. The streets of Jerusalem, the royal city, are open to Him, and like a king, He ascends to His palace, not a temporal palace, but the spiritual palace which is the temple, because His is a spiritual kingdom. He receives the worship and praise of the people because only He deserves it. No longer does He tell His disciples to be quiet about Him (Matthew 12:16, 16:20), but to shout His praises and worship Him openly. The spreading of cloaks was an act of homage for royalty (see 2 Kings 9:13). Jesus was openly declaring to the people that He was their King and the Messiah they had been waiting for.

Unfortunately, the praise the people lavished on Jesus was not because they recognized Him as their Messiah. They welcomed Him out of their desire for a deliverer, someone who would lead them in a revolt against Rome. There were many who, though they did not believe in Christ with a spiritual faith, nevertheless hoped that perhaps He might be to them a great temporal deliverer. These are the ones who hailed Him as King with their many Hosannas, recognizing Him as the Son of David who came in the name of the Lord. But when He failed in their expectations, when He refused to lead them in a massive revolt against the Roman occupiers and those who collaborated with them, the crowds quickly turned on Him. Within just a few days, their Hosannas would change to cries of “Crucify Him!” (Luke 23:20-21). Those who hailed Him as a hero would soon reject and abandon Him.

The story of the triumphal entry is one of contrasts and those contrasts are the application to believers. It is the story of the King who came as a lowly servant on a donkey, not a prancing steed, not in royal robes, but on the clothes of the poor and humble. Jesus Christ comes not to conquer by force as earthly kings, but by love, grace, mercy, and His own sacrifice for His people. His is not a kingdom of armies and splendor, but of lowliness and servanthood. He conquers not nations, but hearts and minds. His message is one of peace with God, not of temporal peace. If Jesus has made a triumphal entry into our hearts, He reigns there in peace and love. As His followers, we exhibit those same qualities, and the world sees the true King living and reigning in triumph in us.

Recommended Resource: One Perfect Life: The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus by John MacArthur.

Source:  GotQuestions.org

God's Battle

“The Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47, NASB

Life is full of opportunities to do battle on behalf of the Lord. Engagement with fear is a spiritual skirmish waiting to happen, but the Spirit flushes out fear and defeats it with faith. Anger is always set to ambush and battle its foes, but patient forgiveness sees it coming and bypasses its ugly assault. Pride is lurking to pounce on the strong and successful, but humble prayer pushes back relentless reinforcements from hell. Indeed, enemies of God are brought down by God.

What battle are you facing that has the best of you? Is it a health issue? Then cry out to your ultimate Healer, Jesus. Is it relational conflict? Then submit to Christ who can restore broken relationships. Perhaps you face a financial giant; go to God and seek godly counsel with transparency and trust, asking both for wisdom and accountability. Heaven has the assistance you need through saints on earth. Look for the Lord’s resources from those who love Him and you.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

Our true battle is not with who or what we see, but with the unseen powers and principalities who seek to soil our faith in the Lord. The enemy Satan speaks lies to our minds so we meander around the most meaningful, and struggle with feeling insignificant. However, the truth of God dissolves the devil’s deceptions and replaces them with clarity and confidence in Christ. The war in the heavenlies has already been won, so enlist in the Lord’s army. Your battle is His battle.

Therefore, be bold as you battle with the weapons of the Lord’s wisdom and not the foolishness of man. Fire God’s gun of grace with bullets of belief, not blanks of unbelief. Shoot at the ultimate enemy, not at the messenger who is only the bearer of bad news. Take your smooth stone of spiritual service and sling it toward Satan. God directs your efforts to defeat the enemy! Bless you and Bless God.

It's a Love thing.

Love, in regards to relationships as described in the Bible.

AGAPE
The first and most common is the word AGAPE, the noun form of the verb AGAPAO. The noun occurs 109 times in the New Testament, and the verb is used 117 times. In the Bible, the term is used to describe:
God's love for man in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8.
Jesus' love for man in Ephesians 5:2.
What man's love for God should be in Matthew 22:37 and I John 2:5.
What man's love for man should be in Matthew 22:39 and Romans 13:10.

PHILEO
The other form of love spoken of in the Bible is PHILEO, a verb found 24 times in the New Testament. Its adjective form, PHILOS, is used 28 times, but the noun form is not used in the Bible. The related PHILADELPHIA (meaning "brotherly love") appears in the New Testament six times.

EROS
The third form of "love" in the Greek language is EROS, from which we get our word "erotic." It refers to a purely carnal form of love, coming from the physical passions. It is not used in the Greek New Testament; however, in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament from which Christ and the disciples quoted), it is used in Proverbs 7:18 to refer to fleshly appetites. Obviously, this base form of love is to not to have sway in the Christian's life.

STORGOS
The final Greek word that can be translated "love" is STORGOS. It is not found in the New Testament, though its negative form of ASTORGOS is used in Romans 1:31 and II Timothy 3:3, where it is translated "unloving." It refers to familial love and is sometimes translated "natural affection"; it is the love that we should naturally have for parents, children, siblings, and other family members. From the condemnation of the lack of this affection, it is clear that God expects us to love our families.

His Purpose in Pain

“Mr. and Mrs. Troxel, I am sorry to inform you that your daughter has cancer.” These are words I have prayed I would never hear; but on Thursday morning, I did. It has been quite an experience to share our life with the people of this ministry over these last many years. You have prayed and encouraged us through the many trials with our daughter, Stacey, and then again last year with the sickness and death of my sister. I suppose this is where Christianity and all of its associated theology becomes real. So, here we go again.
Our twelve year old daughter, Kaylee, has not been feeling well since Christmas. At first we thought it was a mild case of the flu; then, since she was having stomach pain, we thought perhaps she developed an allergy to dairy products. We treated and made changes but the symptoms continued. After checking her for various bacterial infections as well as the possibility of parasites from a recent mission trip, all with negative results, my wife requested an ultrasound which was accomplished last Monday.
The Doctor saw a mass over her right ovary and requested a blood test; we received the results on Thursday morning. Kaylee has been diagnosed with a somewhat rare form of Germ Cell Ovarian Cancer. We will travel to MD Anderson in Houston sometime this week for surgery and then most likely follow with a few rounds of chemotherapy. We believe the cancer is relatively well contained but has grown fast to a diameter of 13 cm. She will definitely have one ovary removed but we will not know what else until the middle of surgery. Your prayers are appreciated.
One thing I have learned over the years in this ministry is that on any given day there are people all around the world facing trials; experiencing pain. Pain is not localized to one part of the world; it is universal. The pain may be related to finances, or health, or relationships, or in some cases a terribly sad combination. The pain may be caused by bad personal choices or the bad, or even evil, choices of others. But no matter what the cause, the same question of “Why?” often rises to the surface. “Why is God causing, or allowing, this to happen? What could possibly be His purpose for such pain?”
I now believe these questions are the result of bad, or poorly understood, theology. God does not bring pain! He does not bring sickness or death; He does not bring tornadoes, droughts, or floods; He does not bring the loss of a job or the loss of a spouse; and He certainly does not bring mass shootings or fly planes into buildings. These things are NOT from God! But He does have a purpose.
Our Biblical history tells us there are times when God dramatically intervenes and directly causes events to occur, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. He has the ability to direct even the most minor of details, and sometimes He does. But this is certainly not how we see God normally operate in the world. His general mode and method seems to be to have set things in motion and to then make Himself available for a relationship. God established the motion of the stars and then left them to continue on their way. When He created man, He created in His image but allowed for the possibility of choices, both good and bad. These choices have lead to a beautiful but fallen world; beautiful but fallen people. This world, as well as its people, result in a great deal of pain. Pain is with us, but it is not from God; and God has never promised to remove our pain. But He does have a purpose!
Romans 5:1-5
“Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
God’s purpose? His purpose in pain is the same as His purpose in joy; His purpose in tragedy is the same as His purpose in a colorful sunset; His purpose is that we are “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). His purpose is that we walk with Him, hand in hand, learning to trust Him and love Him through ALL things, both good and bad. His plan and purpose is a relationship! No, God is not the cause of this cancer. Tragedy is not part of His perfect plan. But our Heavenly Father is being a wonderful comfort to each member of our family, moment by moment! And we know that as we walk through this trial, with Him, learning to trust Him and drawing closer to His side, we will surely be accomplishing His purpose in pain.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries

Why does God test us?

Answer: When we ask why God tests us, or allows us to be tested, we are admitting that testing does indeed come from Him, as clearly taught in Scripture. Although we are forbidden to test Him (Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:7), when God tests His children, He does a valuable thing. David sought God’s testing, asking Him to examine his heart and mind and see that they were true to Him (Psalm 26:2; 139:23). In both the Old and New Testaments, the words translated “test” mean to prove by trial. Therefore, when God tests His children, the purpose is to prove that our faith is real. Not that God needs to prove it to Himself since He knows all things; rather, He is proving to us that our faith is real, that we are truly His children, and that no trial or test will overcome that faith.

In His Parable of the Sower, Jesus identifies the ones who fall away as those who receive the seed of God’s Word with joy, but as soon as a time of testing comes along, they fall away. James clearly explains that the testing of our faith develops perseverance, which leads to maturity in our walk with God. Perseverance in times of trial and testing will result in our spiritual maturity, our completeness (James 1:3-4). James goes on to say that testing is a blessing, because when the testing is over and we have “stood the test,” we will “receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Testing and trying come from our heavenly Father who works all things together for good for those who love Him and who are called to be the children of God (Romans 8:28).

The testing or trials we undergo come in various ways. Becoming a Christian will often require us to move out of our comfort zones and into areas we have never encountered before. We’ve perhaps heard the saying ‘No pain – no gain’ when exercising our physical bodies. The same applies to exercising our faith in God. This is why James wrote ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds’ (James 1:2). Testing our faith can be in small things like daily irritations; they may also be severe afflictions (Isaiah 48:10). Whatever the source of the testing from God, it is to our benefit to undergo the trials.

The account of Job is a perfect example of God allowing one of His saints to be tested by the devil. Job bore all his trials patiently and “did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:22). However, the account of Job’s testing is proof that Satan’s ability to tempt us is limited by God’s sovereign control. No demon can test or afflict us with beyond what God has ordained for His perfect purpose and our benefit.

There are many examples that can be used to illustrate the positive results from our being tested. The Psalmist likens our testing to that of being refined like silver (Psalm 66:10). Elsewhere in Scripture we can read of our trials as that of gold being refined in order to remove all its impurities (1 Peter 1:7). By the testing of our faith, God causes us to grow and mature into strong disciples who truly live by faith in Him, not by what we see (2 Corinthians 5:7).

When testing and trials come our way, we should receive them with joy, because we know that it is God who allows them to strengthen our faith. When we are knocked about in the storms of life, like the tree that digs its roots ever deeper for a greater grip, we must dig our roots deeper into God’s Word so we can withstand whatever comes against us.

Most comforting of all, we know that God will never allow us to be tested beyond what we are able to handle and in all things will provide a way out of the test (1 Corinthians 10:13). This does not mean He will remove the trial from us. Why would He when He says trials are for our benefit? Rather, the “way out” is the way through. the trial, with Him ever faithful by our side, until we come out on the other side of it by His grace and power, stronger and more mature Christians.

Answered by Got Questions.Org

Move On!

Move On!
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1, by Os Hillman
01-14-2013
..."Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on." - Exodus 14:15
Moses had brought the whole nation of Israel, approximately 600,000, to a dead end in the desert. The only thing between Israel and Pharaoh's pursuing army was the Red Sea. This was after ten plagues God had inflicted on Pharaoh to motivate him to free the Israelites. Finally, Pharaoh had freed Moses and the people, and they left Egypt. They thought they were home free. "Freedom at last," they said. But God did a strange thing. He directed Moses to take a route that led to the Red Sea, instead of the northern route around the Red Sea. God explained that He didn't want them fighting the enemies they would have encountered on this route. But still, there was the issue of the Red Sea. They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?...It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Ex. 14:11b-12) God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life. It may be a work problem that can't be solved. It may be a marriage that seems to be failing. It may be a debilitating disease. Whatever your Red Sea, God tells us one thing: "Keep moving." The Red Sea was before them, yet God was angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving." "But Lord, the Red Sea is before me." "Keep moving." When we live by sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion. God is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here. That is just the way He wants it. No one will get glory except God. A friend once admonished me when I was in the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life, "You must not withdraw from being proactive in your faith just because of this trial that you are in. God's hand is on your life. There are too many who are depending on you to fulfill the purposes God has in your life. Keep moving! Keep investing yourself in others." I didn't feel like it. I was in too much pain. But I did it anyway. God met me at the point of my greatest need once I decided simply to be obedient. Getting past myself by investing myself in others helped heal the pain. There is great healing when we look past our own problems and seek to invest ourselves in others for the sake of Christ. This is when our own Red Seas become parted. We begin to walk to freedom. But we will never experience the miracle of the Red Sea in our lives if we don't first "Keep moving."

"What sort of New Year’s Resolution should a Christian make?"

Answer: The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. There is just something about the start of a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start and a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31. The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

Common New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating more healthily. These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be.

Many Christians make New Year’s resolutions to pray more, to read the Bible every day, and to attend church more regularly. These are fantastic goals. However, these New Year’s resolutions fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions, because there is no power in a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation for stopping or starting that activity. For example, why do you want to read the Bible every day? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually, or is it because you have just heard that it is a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God with your body, or is it for vanity, to honor yourself?

Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” John 15:5 declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” If God is the center of your New Year’s resolution, it has chance for success, depending on your commitment to it. If it is God’s will for something to be fulfilled, He will enable you to fulfill it. If a resolution is not God honoring and/or is not in agreement in God’s Word, we will not receive God’s help in fulfilling the resolution.

So, what sort of New Year’s resolution should a Christian make? Here are some suggestions: (1) pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) in regards to what resolutions, if any, He would have you make; (2) pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) find an accountability partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory. Psalm 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
Quote from Gotquestions.org

365 Promises

Romans 8:32 WEB He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? Promise #359: When I offered up My one and only Son, I gave you the best gift I could give. Christmas marks the one day in the year where gifts are given and received around the world. I could not think of a more appropriate day to talk about the greatest gift that our Father could give. On a day that we celebrate the birth of God's only begotten Son, may we also be reminded of the reason why Jesus came to earth. In John 3:16 we read that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son... It was the Father who gave us everything He could possibly give when He sacrificed the life of His treasured possession. In today's promise, Paul the Apostle reminds us of this incredible gift. God did not spare His Son, but delivered Him up to the most excruciating death on a cross in order that we could be born into His family. The greatest gift that you could receive this Christmas day, is a deeper revelation of just how much our God and Father loves you. He gave up everything He loved in order to gain your love. May the revelation of His love go even deeper into your heart today and may the cross of Jesus Christ always be the ultimate symbol of our Father's greatest gift to you. Have a blessed Christmas.

Day of Rememberance

There are only a few more days to go! Only a few more days until...until what? Why is December 25th so special? What really is this day we call Christmas? The early church did not give much thought to the birth of Jesus. Of the four Gospels only Matthew and Luke even mention His birth, and these accounts are relatively brief. Certainly, the emphasis of the Gospels was on Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. And after Jesus ascended to Heaven, the focus of the church was on living for Him, sending out His message, and waiting for His return. No one is really sure when Jesus was born. The first recorded celebration didn't occur until 200 years after His birth, and it wasn't until the year 330 that the birth of Christ was assigned to December 25th. Some say Jesus was actually born in September or October and others are sure He was born in March or April (in fact, a case has been made for His birth in each of the twelve months!). But it is generally agreed that, due to the relatively colder weather, December was an unlikely time for the birth of our Savior, at least as it is recorded in the Bible. So what really is Christmas? John 1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The very Word of God became flesh! Though it is difficult to understand, the Word of God came to live among us and began life as a little baby. He "made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). This sacrifice of transformation represents a whole lot of love! Christmas is a day to remember the most profound event in the history of the world. On that first Christmas (whenever it was), God came to earth to live among us! He was born into the most humble circumstances, grew and taught us His truths, died on a cross for our sin, and was raised; all so we might live with Him for eternity. December 25th is a day to celebrate with quiet reflection, as Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). It is also a day to celebrate with great rejoicing, as the shepherds "returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:20). The world has tried to remove Christ and insert many activities into this season which do not glorify God. But this need not hinder our worship. We have the ability to turn away the evil and embrace that which is honoring and good. We can (and should) glorify God and celebrate the gift of our Savior every day throughout the year. But let's take the opportunity to make this season, and this specific day, special. Let's celebrate with a focused and thankful heart, and make December 25th a blessed day of remembrance. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries

His work is Wonderful

My message today is very sentimental, and I have titled it. “His work is Wonderful”. God makes no mistakes in His construction of mankind (Me). In fact, those aspects you feel are errors are actually His mark on your life-what He used in a powerful way to make Himself known to you. This morning as always but especially this morning I rejoice, not only am I excellently formed as you are also, by a wonderful Maker, and fulfilled with a precious part in His great plan that has been specially created for you and me. When we were formed He gave us all the qualities that make us unique-your traits and talents, despite trials and tribulations. Yet even things we consider flaws and weaknesses are all a part of His perfecting you and me-His wonderful one. “Today marks the sixth year anniversary of a major Liver Transplant that God made possible, 830 am I got the call around 130pm I had been transplanted. He worked out the details and I reaped the reward, a modern day miracle. Yes God is still performing miracles today. Hallelujah, thank you God, and I am thankful for a God who is attentive to details. God saw fit to give me new life. To the Master here is my prayer…I thank you God for creating me, and recreating in me a clean heart. Seeing in me to remove and replace what I messed up, I praise you for all of your works in me which are truly wonderful. Amen. (He did it for me He will do it for you). Love you all. ©

Transplant Support Benefaction, Inc.

Stay informed here and support my Face Book page "EWIW by James Cruse" for the kick off just a couple months away and all proceeds from my books will benefit this Nonprofit Foundation. Please support. "Click the LIKE button. It is the next chapter of ministry of serving. Bless you all who will support this cause. TSB MISSION: Transplant Support Benefactions (TSB) Mission is to Support, Educate, Provide Emergency Assistance, and Provide Educational Scholarships to Transplant recipients, their families, Transplant Organ Donors, and Families of Transplant survivors. (James Cruse and Julie Graves Co-founders)A message from the author James Cruse

My New Book "EWIW"

The Spirit of the Lord has been Faithful & True, and Blessings are Plentiful. I’m excited to inform you that I’m embarking upon a long time dream of publishing the first of a three book series. I have been working on this project for several years and finally, it’s coming to fruition. The first book will feature a collection of spiritual narratives that will exhibit sentiments of Encouragement, Inspiration, and Education. These stories are designed to give readers a level of Hope to cope with daily pressures, predicaments, and God’s promises. Can I encourage and request your support in this project? Please connect to my Book Facebook page “EWIW by James Cruse” tell everyone and hit the like button. The year 2013 will be the fruition of a dream and the start of a new chapter in my life, with this series of books and a new Non-profit foundation due to kick off in Feb 2013. All the proceeds from the books will also benefit my foundation. TSBenefaction.org. A word from the Author. James Cruse

Judge Not.

"Two men went up into the church to pray, one a leader, and the other a common member. The leader stood and was praying thus to himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this common member. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all I get.’ But the member, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted." Luke 18:10-14 (NAS) I have something on my heart and I want to share. Do I want to share it because I've seen something in some people? Certainly not! There have been some observations on my part in my life, with online emails, inbox messages and other lists and so on that brought a continual theme on what I am writing today. I read something quite some time back that said to WRITE about things that hit a nerve with you... well, I don't just write them. I am learning to take those things to the Lord and really pour them out in my prayers moments to Him. I read over it and ask Him what He is teaching me... I ask questions like: "Why is this bothering me", or "why has this struck a chord in my heart?". I know that God will let me know in His own beautiful and special way. There is an area that strikes a chord with me... bothers me very much. That area is judgmental attitudes... critical spirits... self righteous words and so on down the line. I know that I am about as far from perfect as any human has ever been. I have learned to boast about just how far from perfect I am because it shows just how mighty GOD is! There have been countless times just on this list alone (and this isn't the only time or place by a long shot) where other people have been very upset with me and called me on something I wrote or shared. There have been times when some were right and I learned from what they shared... and there are times when I still do not agree with them for the most part. What is the number one thing I do that causes these reactions? My attitude is too lenient and not conservative enough. I use translations other than the King James (even though I use it, too). I add too much "happiness" “encouragement” “inspiration” and not enough "righteous living". I'm not "hard" enough on my presentations of God's truth. This list of ways I "fail" in God's service could easily fill a book, I'm sure, so I'll go on to the rest of my "points to ponder" here... I grew up with a mother who could have easily given up and even in more modern times. She fought to live out every single WORD in that Bible to the highest degree in spite of going through a divorce she didn't want and having three children to raise and being a homemaker with us. I remember her Bible being the most important thing in her heart. Most of this was good and between her example and that of my sisters was growing up just care for my mother... I received much good for my own life. I feel blessed beyond measure for the life my mother so valiantly led and I have also learned a great deal since those years with her. From her strength and endurance and later how she prayed, regardless of the circumstances. It wasn't until I got older... married... had children and began my "mature" Christian life that I found how hard it was to live as my mother. I felt like a failure many times from the time I got up to the time I went to bed. I talked to her and she shared with me that she had spent all of those years terrified of a relationship she desired to leave. She did everything she could humanly manage to please God so she could go to heaven and be with Jesus one day. It wasn't until my younger sister got married that she walked up the aisle herself and got saved from works and into grace. I remember thinking as I read that real salvation as being cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ and that salvation meant repenting those sins and being washed clean. Salvation meant asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart... giving him your life as He gave His... and being sealed forever --- going to heaven because of these things and believing that Jesus walked on this earth and died on a cross for our sins. I was living a way that I became very judgmental without meaning to. I held the same expectations for everyone else that I held for myself... and these expectations were based on works as much as Word. When I sinned in ANY way... I would feel devastated. I thought harsh thoughts for myself and for others who weren't perfect in the Lord. I didn't know then that I was farther away from the Lord and His Will than ever but I was. I was in this state on my own effort --- even though it was opposite of what I was fighting to do! Early in life I did not have a LOVING relationship with the Lord. But was put on the Sunday school bus like many I was too lost in a sea of emotions... "I have failed so much in my past... I simply MUST do 'right' now"... "He doesn't really love ME... and I don't really blame Him"... "why, why, WHY couldn't I have been one of those precious young guys'... who lived a pure and perfect life?". I always wondered WHY God allowed my life to be anything less than an ultimate CHRISTIAN of His... I mean... it would have been for His good?! I felt like I had lived "both sides" of so many situations. Suddenly... we were on our own, one by one. Everything in my life has seemed to be "both sides" instead of one way or the other. As a teenager I wasn't with the preppy crowd and wasn't with the "bad" crowd... I was somewhere between them both. I wasn't one of those teens who thought jail was fun but I wasn't "good" either. I finally realized that God knew He could reach more of His children this way. Even though I thought I would always learn and never teach... He had different plans. I love those who have it all together. Their examples have given me not only heights to reach for but guidance to get there as well. The remarkable people who grew up "good" and lived "good" lives in Christ were like sunshine and water to a needy little plant! It is because of them and the things God chose to pour through them that I now pour that out onto others. I admire them... respect and love them. I can relate with them now because in SOME ways I have grown into one of them! My heart also goes to those who struggle... the woman unsure and unsteady in her ways. The man who beats himself up and "never does anything right" Some people fill my heart with a deep love and I want to reach out to grab their hand! I want to run with their hand to the Lord... "Here, God! Here, they are! You know me You so desperately love?! Well, I am here!". I love to know He's enfolding us in His arms and washing us clean of defeating and negative thoughts. He knows there is a long road ahead but He is happy we came. I love people because I am amongst my friends and Jesus… is with us. I remember praying and praying for God to change me… guide me… make me one of those powerful people in the Bible. I prayed that He would do SOMETHING to help me NOT be such a failure. When I write... minister... counsel... advise... share... whatever ~ I do not have one "audience" in mind! It doesn't work that way with me! I know that all writers are instructed to write with a certain "audience" in mind but I write with ALL people in mind. I can honestly connect with the shared feelings I have felt so many similar or exact feelings myself! I know why God allowed such a diversity of "life" for me... He had plans I didn't even know about and NEVER would have guessed! Because of this I have seen something very common happening --- as Christians, we tend to "stay with our own kind" perhaps without realizing it. Our views are coming from too narrow an angle sometimes our own. Christians needn’t be this way. We can learn from each other regardless of how "wise" we’ve become or how far we still have to go. I write to those wise in the Word who have memorized almost every verse in the Book, can flip to a Bible book in seconds, and who have studied almost every person in the Bible. I also write to those who are just learning some who feel "lacking" because they are still so unfamiliar with the Word. This is one reason for using the different translations. I have NOT just gathered translations for fun or diversity! I read from very reliable sources on what versions mean what… how the particular translation came to be and so on. My understanding of Scripture has increased a thousand times a thousand since having more than the King James Version (which I dearly love). I must be honest with you and tell you that sometimes I have noticed more negative thinking by Christians than non-Christians more so with men than women or children combined! There comes this self righteous tone which seems innocent enough to the beholder and some well meaning friends but has a foundation of self exaltation. "We rarely see people as they really are; our perceptions are distorted by past relationships and our own preconceptions of who we think they are, even the people we know best. We do not see clearly because of the ‘logs’ in our eyes (Matt. 7:3-5). This is always obvious in advice given out to people on eating meat or not eating meat, reading one translation or another, working outside the home or staying home, attachment parenting or not, and the "teachings" of each are sometimes considered the only "holy" way. I don’t recall one place in the Bible admonishing us as Christians to judge how another Christian lives. I read this: "And now I ask you, lady, not as writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another." II John 5 (NAS) We are instructed to love each other. We aren’t called to demand that our way of following the Word of God is the only right way! We are all in Christ who confesses that Christ is from God! "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world." I John 4:2-3 (NAS) Let me ask you this are we able to love and judge someone at the same time? I know that God is our righteous judge and He is the Author of love but we aren’t God! HE is capable of loving and judging in righteous we are not. If we see a problem in or with someone and after prayer and reading in Scripture feel truly led to address it something is wrong unless we are filled with love and compassion for them as we do it. "If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." I John 4:21 (NAS) We need to examine our thoughts on or against another Christian when we feel they aren’t following God’s Word as we feel they should. "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;" Hebrews 12:14-15. (NAS) When we are tempted to think negative thoughts in our heads while someone is talking to us maybe we should consider some advice from the "Boundaries" book by two Christian Psychologists. They point out that being honest in love verses not saying a word and then going behind someone’s back to say… "THIS person said so and so and it just made me so mad I just totally disagreed!". No, you didn’t. Disagreeing would be the case had you kindly stated your feelings/beliefs on the matter. When we don’t tell the person talking to us --- hurting our feelings or offending us --- we have no right or reason to go spill it all out to someone else. The only ONE we should share negative opinions of others on is God because He is quite capable of leading us in the way we should go and He knows what we feel anyway. I will point out first off that there is a difference between "reacting" and "responding". Boundaries authors state that, "When you are reacting, they are in control. When you respond you are." This isn’t to say that you should be honest with someone if you don’t have love in your heart or if you know you won’t be doing so in kindness. What it does mean is that it is not right to take that to anyone else and complain about either! There is a very fine line between care and criticism and if we are to live as true Christians we would be wise to examine it. God gives us enough intuition to know (if we make ourselves aware and search our hearts) if sharing something, telling something, whatever – is coming from a spring of beauty and love or judgment and a critical view. If we are telling someone something that bothers us about someone else and we haven’t been honest with that person or "those people" are we seeking Godly guidance or agreement in how wrong the other person or people are/were? Family and Friends, I write to you from a heart full of feeling full of this unbelievable desire to stand with you on the side of truth. Other Christians might not do their daily quiet time the same way you do (or perhaps they don’t yet have a quiet time) they might not perform in their marriage the same way you know to be right in your marriage they may parent their children in ways you wouldn’t parent them they might keep their home with standards totally different from those in your home they might have a ministry from God opposite of what you would have regardless of HOW they live their lives it is between God and them only to work through. "And John answered and said, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to hinder him because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not hinder him: for he who is not against you is for you.’" Let us not try to hinder other people just because they don’t follow the same path we do. Let us remember that if they are for Christ they are for us. All of us who believe in Christ are seeking to serve Him and HE will be our guide. HE will reveal what needs changing, what needs improving, what to cut out and what to add in! "It is not failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs." Confucius Remember this: "The first to plead his case seems just, until another comes and examines him." Proverbs 18:17 I know I wrote of many things in this "message" but the main point was on judging other people. Please read the following quotes and consider examining your lives this day as I will be doing with mine. Is there judgment, criticism, looking down on, or anything related to these on another people in your life? "I would rather bite my tongue till it bleed, than pass judgment upon any man. Judgment we should leave to God, for out Of the habit of sitting in judgment upon One’s neighbor grow self-satisfaction and Arrogance, which are of the devil." -Tauler "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." -Mother Teresa "Do not be angry that you cannot make’ others as you would wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be." Thomas a’ Kempis In conclusion from me ~ If you ever again read my writing and truly feel I am being "too easy" in my writing, teaching, encouraging, inspiring, speaking, or counsel if it seems that I am not being stern enough in my sharing or "strong" enough in my standing please understand, understand that I know what God has had to deal with in ME all of my life. I know my many failures and I know that I am always, always, always just one hair’s width line away from making the same mistakes anyone else makes. I am that close at all times to falling myself to sinning to wrong instead of right. If I ever (and sometimes I do) even start to feel the least bit of judgment towards/against someone else… I try to RUN to the mirror. I will RUN to my past and RUN to the record of "forgiveness" God has shown mercy on me with. Each time I am quickly humbled and all pride in how "great" or "much better" I’m living disappears. Love in Christ Jesus in humanity and humility in His strength alone. My theme is to Encourage, Inspire and educate our brothers and Sisters about the promises of God and try to give some hope in His Word through my writings. Remember I love you and pray for you. JC

About me….. I am a Retired Marine, had a full Liver transplant, survivor of many things and now, I am relaxing and going to relax even more. Everyone has a story; I am looking to see what the next chapter of mine is. We go through storms, trials and need the healing power of Jesus Christ. We struggle from the lack of knowledge. We need to Encourage, Inspire, and Remind people of His Promises. We need to Reach our Brother and Sister, while "speaking about His Promises, Truth and Love" Whatever I go through, whatever happens, " Either Way I Win" whether God heals me here on earth or heals me by calling me home, to be with Him, "I Win" Afflictions are God's most effectual means to keep us from losing our way to our heavenly rest. Without this hedge of thorns on the right hand and on the left, we should hardly keep the way to heaven. If there be but one gap open, how ready are we to find it and turn out at it! When we grow wanton, or worldly, or proud, how cloth sickness or other afflictions reduce us! Every Christian, as well as Luther, can call affliction one of his best schoolmasters; and with David may say, 'before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.' Many thousand rescued sinners may cry O healthful sickness! O comfortable sorrow! O gainful losses! O enriching poverty! O blessed day that ever I was afflicted! Not only the green pastures and still waters, but the rod and staff, they comfort us. Though the Word and the Spirit do the main work, yet suffering so unbolts the door of the heart, that the Word hath easier entrance. Please accept the encouragement of someone who feels your pain, not to inflict more but to assist and send comforting words, of encouragement and inspiration. The spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because 1. The LORD has anointed me to minister good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2. To proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3. And provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. 4. To serve God as His servant, to serve people. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. The Lord has seen me through my grief He will help you also. It is His promise. To be with you and never leave you. With love, JC

Questions and Myths about Organ Donation

There are numerous questions people have about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. What follows are a few of the most commonly asked questions. What is the age limit for organ and tissue donation? Potential to donate, regardless of age, will be determined at the time of death. People in their 80s have donated vital organs that have been successfully transplanted. No matter what your age is be sure to inform family members of your decision to be a donor. If I have a serious health problem, can I still donate? The important thing to remember is that your potential to donate will be determined at the time of death. There are few medical illnesses that absolutely rule people out for organ donation. Medical criteria for tissue donation are stricter since most tissue transplants are considered life enhancing as opposed to life saving. Even if you have had a serious health problem like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain types of cancer, or even hepatitis you may still be able to donate at the time of death. If I signed a donor card, am I on a national donor registry? Many people who signed donor cards over the years believe they are part of a national donor registry. There is no universally recognized national registry of organ donors. Most states now offer the opportunity to register as a donor through the driver license program or through independent state-run registries. These state-based programs are important because they enable donors to go on record with their wishes; often donor cards are missing and families are unaware of their loved one's wishes. Even though a donor card is considered a legal document, most donor programs will defer to the family or next-of-kin if they object to donation; so, it is important that your family understands your wishes. What is brain death? Brain death is a legal determination of death and involves the complete and irreversible loss of brain function including the brain stem, which controls breathing and heart rate. Brain death can occur in patients who have sustained injuries to the brain resulting from traumatic causes -- auto accidents, gunshot wounds, falls, blows to the head -- and non-traumatic causes like strokes, aneurysms, drowning, and heart attacks during which time the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen. Brain dead patients are patients who are in the hospital in an intensive care unit on total artificial life support. Brain death should not be confused with coma or persistent vegetative state; these are conditions under which patients still have some brain function and may be breathing on their own. How will donation affect funeral plans? Under most circumstances, organ and tissue donation should not affect your family's plans for a funeral, including the opportunity to have an open-casket viewing or service. In some instances there may be a slight delay in order to allow the organ or tissue recovery to take place. Are there additional costs to my family if I am an organ or tissue donor? There should be no additional costs to your family or estate if you are an organ or tissue donor. Organ and tissue donor programs work closely with hospitals and funeral directors to ensure that any donation-related costs in the hospital or afterward at the funeral home are covered. Top 3 Myths about Organ and Tissue Donation Myth 1 - Celebrities or wealthy people get transplanted faster than others. All patients awaiting transplant are on the same national transplant waiting list, which is blind to celebrity status, income, and race or ethnicity. Organs are given to patients based on the severity of illness, match with the donor, and time on the waiting list. Yes, some celebrities have gone on the transplant waiting list and received transplants quickly, and so have thousands of non-celebrity patients who never make it into the national news. Media attention focused on famous people who receive transplants tends to magnify the misperception that celebrities get special treatment. Myth 2 - I heard about a guy whose kidney was stolen. This is a famous urban legend. This story has been told in a variety of forms since the 1980s and gained ground on the Internet back in the late 1990s. The story is often told something like this: A friend of a friend has a cousin whose husband is a lawyer in New York City (or some other city) representing a man whose kidney was stolen. It seems that he met a girl in a bar who slipped some drugs into his drink. He woke up in a bathtub full of ice with a phone next to the bathtub. On the phone was a note that read, "Call 911, we've taken your kidney." Like most famous urban legends there isn't an ounce of evidence that this has ever taken place. This story has been covered extensively and has even served as the basis for fictional television programs. Despite the far-fetched scenario, many people still believe the story is true. Myth 3 - If you have a donor card and you are in an accident, doctors will not work to save your life. Unfortunately, distrust in the medical community expresses itself in many ways. This myth is a widely held belief or fear in our society. It's important to understand that emergency personnel are in no way connected to transplant programs, nor do they have anything to gain, financially or otherwise, by letting a patient die in order to remove organs or tissues. Another commonly overlooked fact is that emergency personnel in hospitals rarely, if ever, see any documentation of an individual's desire to be a donor; donor cards and driver licenses simply do not make it into the hands of doctors caring for accident victims. The police typically have this information and hold onto it or return it to the victim's family.

Intercessory Prayer

There are many ways to love one’s neighbor, but intercessory prayer—praying on behalf of other people—has got to be one of the most powerful. Prayer is the most potent force known to humanity. Because we have been made partakers in Jesus’ victory over sin and death (1 John 4:4), we have the authority as sons and daughters of God to pray for others, pushing back the darkness of sin and oppression. In prayer, we have a weapon that has “divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). That kind of weaponry—the power of prayer— is something God invites us to use as we seek not only personal transformation but the transformation of the world as well. An intercessor is one who takes up a “burden” that goes far beyond his or her own needs and intentions. And those who take up the call to intercession come to learn in a deeper way that the sufferings of the present time cannot compare to the joy that will come as God’s purposes unfold. They learn to trust in the Lord, because they have experienced in prayer how infinitely compassionate God is. Intercessors participate in God’s magnificent plan to raise humanity to share in divine life. This insight moves them to engage in a spiritual battle against the forces that seek to destroy God’s plans. The Letter of James tells us that “The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects” (James 5:16), and there is no one more righteous than Jesus—the most powerful intercessor whoever walked the earth. Martha, the sister of Lazarus, rightly declared, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you” (John 11:21-22). The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that because Jesus’ priesthood is eternal, “he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (7:25). Imagine that: right now, Jesus is in heaven interceding for you, even as he intercedes for the entire world. He also invites us all to join in his priestly intercession so that a might flood of prayer will ascend to the Father’s throne. So ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to pray in union with the mind of God. Take to heart St. Paul’s words, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes . . . for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). And above all, ask God to give you confidence that he hears your prayers and longs to answer the deep needs of those around you.

Pray for our Children

Let's pray for our children Acs 19:20.........I thank you Father that Your Word prevails over our children. Isa 54:13...........That they are taught of the Lord and continue to be Prov 13:1.......... the fruit of godly instruction and correction. Isa 54:13...........Great is their peace and undisturbed composure. Prov 2:6............ Father, give us counsel and wisdom in bringing up our children. 1Pet 1:14.......... I say they are obedient, not conforming to the things of the flesh, 1Pet 1:15.......... but holy, in all conduct. 1Pet 2:2........... desiring the pure milk of the Word that they may grow thereby. Jas 1:19............That they are swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. Heb 13:5.......... Their conduct is without covetousness, Heb 13:5.......... and they are content with what they have. Heb 13:16......... They do not forget to do what is right and to share. 2Pet 3:18.......... I pray that they grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, 1Thes 4:1......... and abound more and more in how they should walk and please You. 1Pet 5:5........... That they submit to their elders, and to one another, 1Pet 5:5........... being clothed with humility. 1Pet 5:7........... That they cast their cares upon You, Father, for You care for them. Jas 1:22............I thank You that they are doers of the Word, and not hearers only, Ph'm 1:6...........effectively sharing their faith. 2Tim 1:7 ..........not having a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 2Tim 1:9...........Father, You have saved them and called them with a holy calling, 2Tim 1:9 ..........not according to works, but according to Your own purpose. 2Tim 4:18.........Deliver them from every evil work and preserve them. John 10:5 ........They will by no means follow strangers, not knowing their voices. 2Tim2:22 .........They abide with others who call on the Lord out of a pure heart, Jas 3:10 ..........and cursing comes not out of their mouth. 1Jn 5:18 ..........Because Jesus keeps them safe, the wicked one does not touch them. Ps 91:11..........Give Your angels special charge to accompany, defend, preserve Ps 4:8.............and provide safety for them, day and night. 1Jn 2:5 ...........Because they keep Your Word, Your love is being perfected in them. 1Jn 2:15 .........They do not love the world or the things in the world, 3Jn 1:11..........and they do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. 1Jn 1:7 ...........They walk in the light as You are in the Light, Jas 4:8 ...........cleansing their hands and purifying their hearts, 2Tim 2:22 .......They follow after righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Heb 13:18........They have a good conscience and desire to live honorably, Prov 3:4 ..........having favor and high esteem with God and man.

Opportunity of our words

Every day we are given the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. Every time we open our mouth to speak, we send forth words which have an effect on those around us. Our words, which come "out of the overflow of the heart" (Matthew 12:34), will either cause a positive or negative reaction...our words are rarely neutral. Knowing the power of our words ought to cause us to use them with great care. Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." This means that every time we speak, we have the opportunity to encourage and minister. With just a few moments of our time and very little effort, we have the opportunity to brighten someone's day, to ease their burden, and possibly draw them closer to God. This precious opportunity must not be taken lightly; "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:26). If we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our careless words are eternally forgiven. And yet, our words remain a reflection of our heart. God has given us a new heart which ought to be filled with devotion, and our words should be filtered through a desire to bring Him glory and honor. But sometimes we smother this heart and fail to let it shine. Though forgiven, we must also give an account of the damage our words have caused. We seldom realize how harmful and discouraging our words can be; "Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" (Proverbs 26:18-19). Sarcastic and joking words are "deadly arrows" which are never useful for "building others up." Over time, these words are sure to destroy a relationship. Before we speak, we must carefully listen. What is the real question? What are the real needs or concerns? "He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame" (Proverbs 18:13). We may only be given the opportunity to speak a few words, but we can make every effort to use our words wisely; "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil" (Proverbs 15:28). Our words are a powerful gift. Let's honor our Heavenly Father by effectively using this gift to encourage. Let's speak so those who listen may benefit and be built up in their faith. Let's continually encourage one another to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and never squander the opportunity of our words. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries

Are we real friends?

The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the definition of a true friend: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:13-15). Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His "friends." What is more, anyone may become His friend by trusting in Him as his personal savior, being born again and receiving new life in Him. There is an example of true friendship between David and Saul's son Jonathan, who, in spite of his father Saul's pursuit of David and attempts to kill him, stood by his friend. You will find that story in 1 Samuel chapter 18 through chapter 20. Some pertinent passages are 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19: 4-7; 20:11-17, 41-42. Proverbs is another good source of wisdom regarding friends. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17). "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). The issue here is that in order have a friend, one must be a friend. "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses" (Proverbs 27:6). " As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17). The principle of friendship is also found in Amos. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3 KJV). Friends are of like mind. The truth that comes from all of this is a friendship is a relationship that is entered into by individuals, and it is only as good or as close as those individuals choose to make it. Someone has said that if you can count your true friends on the fingers of one hand, you are blessed. A friend is one whom you can be yourself with and never fear that he or she will judge you. A friend is someone that you can confide in with complete trust. A friend is someone you respect and that respects you, not based upon worthiness but based upon a likeness of mind. Finally, the real definition of a true friend comes from the Apostle Paul: "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:7-8). "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13). Now, that is true friendship!

Who are you Trusting?

The words translated “trust” in the Bible literally mean a bold, confident, sure security or action based on that security. Trust is not exactly the same as faith, which is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, trusting is what we do because of the faith we have been given. Trusting is believing in the promises of God in all circumstances, even in those where the evidence seems to be to the contrary. Hebrews 11 talks about faith, which is accepting and believing the truth that God reveals about Himself, supremely in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the practical consequence of faith in God is trust, which we prove by living out our full acceptance of God’s promises day by day. Furthermore, it is by this trust that we are promised peace: “You will keep in peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3). The classic verse regarding trust is Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” This verse sums up the Bible’s teaching on trust. First, it is the Lord in whom we are to trust, not ourselves or our plans, and certainly not the world’s wisdom and devices. We trust in the Lord because He and He alone is truly trustworthy. His Word is trustworthy (Psalm 93:5, 111:7; Titus 1:9), His nature is faithful and true (Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 25:10, 145:13, 146:6), and His plans for us are perfect and purposeful (Isaiah 46:10; Jeremiah 29:11). Further, because of His nature, we are to trust Him with all our hearts, committing every aspect of our lives to Him in complete confidence. Finally, we are not in trust in ourselves because our understanding is temporal, finite, and tainted by our sin natures. Trusting in ourselves is like walking confidently across a rotten wooden bridge over a yawning chasm thousands of feet deep. Disaster inevitably follows. Trust in God is a feature of many of the psalms of David. There are 39 references to trust in the Psalms alone, whether referring to trusting in God and His Word, or to not trusting in riches or the things of this world. It is on the basis of this trust that David finds deliverance from all the evil he encounters. Many of David’s psalms describe situations when he was pursued by Saul and his army, as well as his other enemies, and always did the Lord come to his aid. One thing that can be noted about biblical trust is that it always engenders further trust in our God. The man of God never stops trusting in God completely. His faith may be knocked, He may stumble, or He may fall into the foulest of sins, but “though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:24). The man of God knows that though trials will beset in this life, his trust will not waiver because that trust is based on faith in the promises of God that lie ahead, the promise of eternal joy with the Lord, and the promise of an inheritance that ‘can never perish, spoil and fade (1 Peter 1:4).

Dedicated to Kristine Sharpe. She spent her last few months telling her testimony for Organ Transplantation. register to donate. Sign up. https://donatelifetn.org/index.aspx